]]>Fútbol Miami MLS confirmed through its Twitter account Wednesday morning that Paul McDonough, formerly of Atlanta United, will be joining the team as Sporting Director.

“Paul shares our dream for making Miami the League’s Global Team,” co-owner Jorge Mas said through the team’s Twitter account. “And is uniquely positioned to recruit and develop the talent on and off the field to make this a reality.”

“Paul played a critical role in the building of our club and we are very appreciative of his hard work and dedication in making Atlanta United a success,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a statement released by the club. “We wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/25/fire-breaks-out-at-melreese-country-club/feed/0190725.7896711 -80.260341225.7896711-80.2603412Who is Paul McDonough? Know more about Fútbol Miami MLS’ potential general managerhttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/20/who-is-paul-mcdonough-know-more-about-futbol-miami-mls-potential-general-manager/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/20/who-is-paul-mcdonough-know-more-about-futbol-miami-mls-potential-general-manager/#commentsFri, 20 Jul 2018 17:25:11 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1884According to Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Fútbol Miami MLS appears to have a favored candidate for its general manager position, and it’s a name that will be familiar to those interested in Major League Soccer expansion clubs: Paul McDonough, Vice President of Soccer Operations for Atlanta United. Earlier this month, co-owner Jorge Mas told …

]]>According to Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Fútbol Miami MLS appears to have a favored candidate for its general manager position, and it’s a name that will be familiar to those interested in Major League Soccer expansion clubs: Paul McDonough, Vice President of Soccer Operations for Atlanta United.

Earlier this month, co-owner Jorge Mas told local media that he anticipated a hire for the general manager position by the end of August. That would mean the franchise is already in the late stages of the search process. Tenorio’s report indicates Fútbol Miami MLS wants an expansion specialist. If that’s the case, McDonough may be the perfect hire.

Before joining Atlanta in January 2016, McDonough was hired by Orlando City of then-USL. McDonough and Adrian Heath (manager) were brought in to shepard the team into the highest ranks of American professional soccer. While the results on the field have not been perfect, the growth of the Orlando project (specifically the growth of fan support within the city and ticket sales) became a model for teams around the country.

Prior to joining the front office of clubs, Paul McDonough spent two years with Wasserman (previously known as the Wasserman Media Group, or WMG) as Director of Global Soccer. In that role, he represented professional soccer players in MLS and abroad. Prior to that, he spent three years at Santio Sport + Entertainment as director of recruiting. His soccer career began on the field, where he worked as an assistant coach at Wake Forest University (1999-2001), the University of South Carolina (2001-2002) and the University of Connecticut (2003-2009).

]]>The City of Miami commission has voted to allow a ballot initiative in support of Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village to appear on the city’s general election ballot on Nov. 6. The vote was 3-2. Commissioners Keon Hardemon, Joe Carollo and (critically) Ken Russell voted in support. Commissioners Manolo Reyes and Willy Gort voted against.

The day appeared to start where last Thursday’s meeting left off, with commissioners airing their grievances with the deal. The two most prominent voices in the morning were those of Reyes and Carollo.

Reyes, who was vehemently against the deal, claimed that the process was illegal. He introduced two measures that sought to end discussion on the initative. He also offered a new initiative, which would open up the Melreese property to a competitive bidding process. This met immediate resistance, specifically from city mayor Francis Suarez.

Suarez’s point, which was confirmed by the city’s attorney Victoria Mendez, meant the initiative would not receive full discussion. Mendez also confirmed the legality of the initial initiative effort.

Joe vs. the Golf Course

Carollo’s issues were twofold, and neither were directed specifically at Fútbol Miami MLS. First, Carollo seemed to allege that the current operators of Melreese Golf Course, Delucca Enterprises Inc., were not being upfront with the commission about the types of businesses run from the golf course. Carollo cited 10 profit or nonprofit entities that list the golf course’s address as their place of operation.

“I’m going to tell you my main responsibility are to those kids in the City of Miami, Little Havana, in Allapattah, in Overtown, in Liberty City, in Wynwood, in Flagami, in Little Haiti,” Carollo said, “that don’t have any of these benefits and don’t have no Charlies [Charlie DeLucca operates the Melreese Golf Course] putting them in orange shirts and parading them around.”

Jorge Mas speaks to Magic City Soccer after Fútbol Miami MLS’s big win in front of the City of Miami commission.

After approximately 20 minutes of Carollo seeming to prosecute the golf course and its operator, Russell sought to bring attention back to the Term Sheet that had been negotiated by the city and Fútbol Miami MLS until 2 a.m. the night before. Going through each point, Russell highlighted where the city had extracted concessions from Mas and team ownership.

The biggest points seemed to be related to park construction, land remediation and the living wage.

As for the park, questions came from the dais related to the construction of a 58-acre park at the property and what the city’s financial responsibility would be. MFP confirmed the plan is for the ownership group to create a finished park with grass and trees, and then will provide the city $20 million on top of that to use if it wants to make changes or additions later.

Jorge Mas echoed a sentiment he shared with the Miami Herald on Monday, when he stated the Miami Freedom Park group would cover all land cleanup and remediation costs. Mas additionally shared that he is “extremely confident” the cost of remediation would be “significantly lower” than the $35 million that has been budgeted. Reyes disagreed with his assessment.

Living with a Living Wage

The last, and what was believed to be most contentious, issue was the living wage. On Thursday, Russell insisted that all workers at the property be guaranteed at least $15 an hour. At the time, the Miami Freedom Park group could not guarantee that. That changed on Wednesday, however. Mas stated that all employees and contractors with Fútbol Miami MLS would guarantee $15 an hour from the jump, which was not surprising. What Mas proposed for all other vendors at the property is an escalator. In the first year, the guaranteed wage would start at $11 an hour. Over the next four years, it would rise $1 an hour per year to eventually arrive at $15 per hour. That seemed to be good enough for Russell.

City of Miami commissioner Ken Russell speaks to Magic City Soccer after casting the deciding vote to allow Fútbol Miami MLS’s project, Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village, to go to the November ballot.

After Mas’ team walked through the living wage language, it appeared Russell was convinced.

After a lunch break and an opportunity for any final questions, the vote was cast. Miami Freedom Park was on its way to the November ballot.

“It’s a win for our fans, and a win for our community,” Mas told Magic City Soccer after the vote. “And our next step is to continue progressing, to show the residents of the City of Miami the benefits of this project, continue to work hard to win their trust and support for the referendum in November, and at the same time turn this page and this chapter and start building a soccer franchise.”

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/18/city-of-miami-commission-approves-miami-freedom-park-ballot-initiative/feed/01856Term Sheet for Miami Freedom Park made public before City of Miami commission meetinghttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/term-sheet-for-miami-freedom-park-made-public-before-city-of-miami-commission-meeting/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/term-sheet-for-miami-freedom-park-made-public-before-city-of-miami-commission-meeting/#commentsWed, 18 Jul 2018 03:01:47 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1841Just hours before the start of the City of Miami commission meeting that could potentially decide the deal’s fate, the Term Sheet that establishes the proposal between the ownership group and the city regarding Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village was made public. First shared by local columnist Grant Stern, the three-page term sheet covers …

Plan Summary

1. The lease for the property that Miami Freedom Park, LLC (MFP) would take on is guaranteed for 39 years, with MFP holding two 30-year options beyond that to take the total length of the deal to 99 years. For commercial ground leases, it’s common practice to offer long terms, and 99-year leases have historically been considered the limit. Commercial development on the land would take up 73 acres.

3. The rent the city will receive from the property is guaranteed to be at least $3.5 million per year. It could adjust to a larger number if the property is appraised at a higher Fair Market Value or if the rent from the developments exceeds expectations (the city will receive 5 percent of all rent if that number is larger than the Fair Market Value or $3.5 million).

4. The city will not pay for any portion of the soccer stadium, the commercial development, or any environmental remediation on the property.

5. If MFP is sold to another owner at any point in the lease, the City is entitled to 1 percent of the price of the sale. This would be important if Fútbol Miami MLS was ever sold to another ownership group.

6. MFP will not be granted a certificate of occupancy for its stadium unless the park at the property (at 58 acres) is fully developed, including any environmental remediation that would be necessary.

7. As previously mentioned, MFP will contribute $20 million to open the park at the site. Additionally, MFP is committing $5 million to complete the City’s Baywalk-Riverwalk Project. The second portion was discussed at the commission meeting on Thursday, but never formally committed to with a dollar amount. This project has been the baby of Commissioner Ken Russell. Russell is believed to be the swing vote on the commission.

8. MFP is committing to adhere to the City of Miami’s no-net-loss policy, as per the city’s comprehensive plan. That means the organization will need to provide funding or support for 73 acres of park land somewhere else in Miami. Likely, the Baywalk-Riverwalk will play a big role in this.

9. This point reiterates a portion of Point 4, which states MFP will be responsible for all environmental remediation. According to Jorge Mas, the estimated cost of this remediation is $35 million.

10. This point could prove to be contentious on Wednesday. The plan states that MFP and affiliates will guarantee a living wage of at least $15 an hour ($13.19 an hour for employees who receive health benefits). However, this is for “covered employees”. According to the plan, that means “those hourly employees of MFL and its affiliates who primarily work at the Demised Premesis”. Does this mean all employees who work on the property? Or is there a more specific category. Russell and other commissioners will likely want clarification on that.

11. MFP will commit to providing space for The First Tee program, including a driving range and “other amenities.” This may prove to be unnecessary, as Miami mayor Francis Suarez has stated Miami Springs Golf & Country Club will take the program.

12. The agreement between the city and Delucca Enterprises, Inc. (Charlie DeLucca Jr. was responsible for the rehabilitation of the course in the late 1990s. The company operates the course today) would need to be terminated in order for the MFP project to be built. If there is any cost to terminate that agreement, MFP has agreed to pay it.

Will that be enough to get this proposal over the line? There’s no way to know until the commission meets. However, it does appear to be tailored to the concerns that were brought up at the meeting last Wednesday. Ultimately, only time will tell.

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/term-sheet-for-miami-freedom-park-made-public-before-city-of-miami-commission-meeting/feed/11841The best of the Miami Herald’s interview with Fútbol Miami MLS co-owner Jorge Mas and Miami mayor Francis Suarezhttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/the-best-of-the-miami-heralds-interview-with-futbol-miami-mls-co-owner-jorge-mas-and-miami-mayor-francis-suarez/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/the-best-of-the-miami-heralds-interview-with-futbol-miami-mls-co-owner-jorge-mas-and-miami-mayor-francis-suarez/#respondTue, 17 Jul 2018 04:33:59 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1826On Monday, in advance of Fútbol Miami MLS appearing in front of the City of Miami’s commission for the second time in a week on Wednesday, co-owner Jorge Mas and Mayor Francis Suarez were grilled by the Miami Herald’s editorial board for an hour, facing a series of questions about the proposed development at Melreese …

In the hour, Mas revealed a number of interesting bits of information. Here are some of the most important for fans of Fútbol Miami MLS.

What’s in a name?

Mas revaled the most information about the team’s name, although he did not reveal the name itself.

“We do have a decision on the name, but we’ll get there. You should see how we’re going to unveil the name. very cool,” Mas said early on in the interview.

He came back to it later, with even more specifics.

“Among the owners, we’ve chosen the name. We’re all in agreement,” Mas said. “We’re working on shields and colors, which we have two creative agencies working on. I think it’s well received. Frankly, the fans have picked it, because we’ve focused grouped and the fans have picked the name. It’s all about the fans. It’s the fans’ team. It’s a great name.

“The way we’re going to unveil the name is very different than any unveiling of a name. It’s not going to be on a site somewhere where we’re standing on a podium and unveiling the name. That’s not how we’re going to do it. I’ll leave it at that.”

Time is of the essence

A lot has been made of the rush to put this proposal on the ballot in November. Mas finally provided an explanation.

“We have to get a stadium decision on the ballot as quickly as possible, because per the expansion agreement with Major League Soccer, I have to start construction by October 2019. If construction doesn’t start October 2019, I’m technically in default of the expansion agreement. That puts the team at risk of coming to Miami. The rush is driven by the need for a stadium.”

This highlights why negotiation might prove to be tricky for the ownership group.

“Frankly, the city is in a good position with leverage: I have to have a stadium,” Mas said. “If not, I don’t have a team. I need a stadium. From a leverage perspective, I don’t have any leverage. I need to put a stadium somewhere.”

“When we first met with Commissioner [Willy] Gort, [he] said ‘I would very much like you to go look at another lot,’ which I think is a General Administration lot, 20th street next to Jackson Memorial Hospital. I went there and took the whole MLS, there were 20 of us. When they were looking at the site, two firefighters came out and they said, ‘Oh my God! Soccer’s coming!” and they got really fired up. [MLS commissioner Don Garber] gave them his scarf, and they said ‘Are you guys going to put the stadium here?’ We’re looking at it as a potential approved site, and the firefighters said, ‘Listen, you cannot do that because your fans will get contaminated because the waste transfer station next door is making our firefighters sick.’ So unfortunately, the MLS said we’re not going to approve this site.”

Mas also confirmed that if the Melreese deal were to fall through, Fútbol Miami MLS would head back to Overtown.

Tussle with Russell

It is believed that Commissioner Ken Russell will prove to be a pivotal swing vote on Wednesday. Mas went out of his way to address what’s being done in relation to his concerns.

“On some of the other concerns that commissioner Russell brought up, we’ve addressed a lot of them,” Mas said. “If I recall, the pending ones were talking about The First Tee, the no-net-loss of park space, we said we’d comply with no net loss of park space. … The other issue he brought up was the living-wage issue. We’re in discussions and conversations on that, because there are a lot of different components going on with that. That’ll be addressed, I don’t know if that’ll be in the ballot language or the resolution, but that’ll be addressed with some clarity.”

Remediation frustration

One of the biggest sticking points is the cost to deal with toxic ash that is buried beneath the course. Mas estimates that it will cost $35 million to deal with the issue at the course, but a similar project on a nine-acre park in the City of Miami cost $8 million. The area affected by construction at Melreese is 133.5 acres. At the Douglas Park rate, cleanup of Melreese would cost approximately 112.5 million dollars. Mas seemed confident this wouldn’t be an issue, and insisted the city would not be on the hook.

“The remediation is the other issue. I will continue saying that it is my intent and commitment the city not pay any dollars,” Mas said. “We’ve beared down to a number, which is $35 million, on the remediation costs. I fully anticipate that should be enough. We do not have any information where I can guarantee you that. I’m highly confident, my engineers, my consultants, are highly confident, but we don’t know.”

When asked if Mas would go to the city for money, he reiterated: “No, we’d look for the federal and state contributions.”

“We’ll know by early September what the number is. Well before the November vote, we will have a definitive, clear answer on the remediation. It is my full expectation that it will fall within $35 million and there will be no issues where the city has to contribute.”

Technically tech

As part of the video announcing Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village, it was said that the park would contain a “Technology Hub.” Mas offered a bit of a clearer picture as to what that would mean.

“I have an element that has not been announced, that is not here. There is a technology component of this destination which will be new investment into Miami. So it’s not existing investment, it’s not as if we’re building this and then hoping to attract the guys from Wynwood. … This technology innovation hub that I’m anticipating will bring new technology investment to Miami.”

Mas stated the technology company involved would be announced before the vote in November.

Kansas City shows Mas

In an unlikely turn, it appears Kansas City played a big role in Jorge Mas becoming affiliated with Fútbol Miami MLS. Co-owner Marcelo Claure is based in Kansas City in his role as Sprint CEO and apparently showed Mas around a game.

“It was one of the most amazing experiences that I’ve been to, and I’ve been to every major sporting event in the world. It was 21,000 people, packed house, in Kansas City, enjoying a game among families. There was a beautiful cross-section of a crowd. It was extremely fun, and it was an example of what, I think, a sporting experience done right.”

Mas then used the Kansas City example to draw parallels to the proposed plan at Melreese.

“I am probably one of the few or handful of sports owners who will say that stadiums on their own are not economic generators. They are not … A stadium can be part of a destination … and I think it brings huge positive components that if designed correctly can be taken advantage of for the city.

Putting in the work

The delay approved by the commission on Thursday apparently triggered the ownership group to start targeting the commissioners for their support.

“We have had extensive conversations, frankly, will all the commissioner’s offices. Specifically with commissioner [Joe] Carollo, commissioner Russell, commissioner Gort, commissioner [Keon] Hardemon, commissioner [Manolo] Reyes has gotten information. It’s evolved, I think. You will see some adjustments and changes to clarify what everyone’s intent is. So when I talk about, specifically, when you look at the land lease numbers, for example. Going into Thursday of last week, because we were focusing on ballot language, there was elements that we we’re going to work on post-(vote), because an agreement is different than what’s on the ballot language. So what we’ve done is accelerate and talk about some of these issues and components, so the alignment of interests is expressed before the vote, not after the vote.”

Mas elaborated on his work with commissioner Gort, who has Melreese within his district boundaries.

“I’ve had several conversations with commissioner Gort, as he asked me to engage the neighborhood. We’re doing that, we’ve done that as quickly as we can. We’re setting up some larger meetings with the neighbors. … There’s going to be meetings established. He also asked me specifically on some things that had to do with the traffic.”

Point of clarification

One of Mayor Suarez’s most important contributions was a clarification as to how much commercial space would be created in the development. It turns out, there was a key error in one of the early factsheets.

“There were initial reports that it was 1,000,000 square feet of commercial. It’s 1,000,000 square feet of development, not 1,000,000 square feet of commercial. … It’s significantly less than that, it’s about 400,000 square feet of commercial. … I think that caused some consternation when that came out.”

First signing?

One of the most interesting tidbits for true soccer fans came early in the interview, when Mas revealed he picked a side in the 2018 World Cup Final on Sunday, and he may have had a vested reason for supporting Croatia.

“I adopted a team, I was cheering for Croatia yesterday … There’s a player there who is extremely interested in coming to Miami, a very high-profile player.”

It’s impossible to know how Wednesday’s vote will break. There are some reports Gort may be more inclined to vote yes. While some of Russell’s concerns have been addressed, there has been no confirmed commitment to a yes vote. All that we do know is that for all we learned in the interview Monday, there’s a lot more yet to be known.

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/17/the-best-of-the-miami-heralds-interview-with-futbol-miami-mls-co-owner-jorge-mas-and-miami-mayor-francis-suarez/feed/01826After marathon session, Miami city commission delays Fútbol Miami MLS by a weekhttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/13/after-marathon-session-miami-city-commission-delays-futbol-miami-mls-by-a-week/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/13/after-marathon-session-miami-city-commission-delays-futbol-miami-mls-by-a-week/#commentsFri, 13 Jul 2018 17:43:11 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1809For some people at the City of Miami’s commission chambers Wednesday, it was nearly an 18-hour day. For supporters and opponents of Fútbol Miami MLS’ ballot initiative, they came and had their say. However, at nearly 11 p.m., the city’s commissioners voted to delay discussion on the proposed stadium and park for nearly a week. …

]]>For some people at the City of Miami’s commission chambers Wednesday, it was nearly an 18-hour day. For supporters and opponents of Fútbol Miami MLS’ ballot initiative, they came and had their say. However, at nearly 11 p.m., the city’s commissioners voted to delay discussion on the proposed stadium and park for nearly a week.

The day started for some at 6 a.m., when representatives from both sides came to the chambers to claim a seat. Even through discussion on the initiative wouldn’t start until 2 p.m., people wanted to be seen and heard. The distinctive orange shirts and hats from Melreese Country Club’s The First Tee program could be seen abundantly throughout the day.

The real action on the pro-soccer side started around noon, when Fútbol Miami MLS’ tailgate/rally started in Regatta Park. It featured food, music and activities for children. The heat did not deter hundreds from turning out.

At about 1:40 p.m., co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham arrived at the park to address supporters.

“We’ve always said that this team is your team, and the fact that you’re hear today supporting us, you’re with us, we feel that and we need that,” Beckham told the crowd. “No matter what, we’re coming to Miami, simple as that.”

After a march to city hall, some MLS supporters came in, but the chamber had largely filled by that point, and many speakers were forced to wait outside.

Vox Populi

At 2 p.m., commission chairman Keon Hardemon gaveled in the proceedings. The question in front of the commission was not to approve or deny the stadium, it involved empowering the City Attorney to draft language for a ballot initiative that would appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 6 which would empower the city to negotiate a deal, similar to a deal the Miami Dolphins arranged in the 1980s. Over the course of the next three hours and 45 minutes, public comment ensued. Speakers who reside in the city were granted two minutes to speak, alternating between “for” and “against”. Among the speakers included Orlando Hernández, better known as El Duque. The four-time World Series champion is a supporter of Melreese, and has done work around the course since retiring from Major League Baseball.

Just after 6 p.m., Mas rose to deliver his proposal to the commission. He detailed what is being called “Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village,” a large-scale development that will include the MLS stadium, retail and restaurant space, office buildings and 58 acres of open park space.

“I want greatness in my city. I want to be able to dream big” Mas told the commission. “I want the voters to decide. I want every single voice in the City of Miami to make a decision on this project.

“Let them decide. If they share this vision, if they want greatness so be it. And if they don’t, then they don’t. It’s the voters decision.”

After the presentation, which included Mas, Beckham and the head architect from Arquitectonica, mayor Francis Suarez added his input. Suarez supports the plan.

Testy times

Once the mayor had his comment, the commission began its question and comment period. It was during that time that the meeting lost the plot a bit, with commissioners sniping back and forth.

It became clear that vice chairman Ken Russell was the most likely swing vote on the commission. His issues with the plan include a home for The First Tee, remediation of toxic ash located underneath the golf course, and guaranteeing a living wage for workers at the property.

In the 10 o’clock hour, the tensions reached their highest, with commissioners directly confronting one another. Despite protest from Fútbol Miami MLS, the commission decided to kick the can down the road for six days.

The commission will meet again on July 18 at 10 a.m. to resume discussion of the initiative. There will be no public comment at that meeting, as the public had their say on July 12.

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/13/after-marathon-session-miami-city-commission-delays-futbol-miami-mls-by-a-week/feed/41809VIDEO: ‪David Beckham speaks to Fútbol Miami MLS supporters in Coconut Grove’s Regatta Park before the City of Miami deliberates putting a stadium question on the ballothttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/video-david-beckham-speaks-to-futbol-miami-mls-supporters/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/video-david-beckham-speaks-to-futbol-miami-mls-supporters/#respondThu, 12 Jul 2018 18:31:09 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1799Fútbol Miami MLS co-owner David Beckham arrives to Regatta Park in Coconut Grove and speaks to supporters before the team argues in front of the City of Miami commission on July 12, 2018.

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/video-david-beckham-speaks-to-futbol-miami-mls-supporters/feed/01799Is the Miami Freedom Park That Different From Joe Robbie Stadium?http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/is-the-miami-freedom-park-that-different-from-joe-robbie-stadium/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/is-the-miami-freedom-park-that-different-from-joe-robbie-stadium/#commentsThu, 12 Jul 2018 17:28:36 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1793There is a wide misconception that has grown through the years here in South Florida. It has been the gold standard to every stadium project when it’s time to discuss financing and acquisition. Those familiar with sports here in the Magic City know that I am already talking about Joe Robbie Stadium, now known as …

]]>There is a wide misconception that has grown through the years here in South Florida. It has been the gold standard to every stadium project when it’s time to discuss financing and acquisition. Those familiar with sports here in the Magic City know that I am already talking about Joe Robbie Stadium, now known as Hard Rock Stadium. South Florida idolizes Robbie for building it with his own money, however, lost in the story is the land acquisition deal.

Prominent Miami figures have been vocal in their arguments against the redevelopment of the current Melreese golf course. Former Miami Heat Guard Ray Allen has put out on social media pleas to keep the golf course intact due to its community out reach program (The First Tee). Local Filmmaker Billy Corben has rallied against the project and detailing his skepticism of city officials to negotiate a good deal out of the land. Alfred Spellman has gone out and laid a similar position to his long time friend and business partner. Scrolling through twitter today I saw a post from Spellman that stated “Joe Robbie went out and bought a parcel of land and built his own stadium. Jorge Mas and David Beckham should do the same.”

I began to wonder, just how much did Joe Robbie pay for the parcel of land that has become Hard Rock Stadium. A quick search in the Miami-Dade County Property Appraisers website, showed something interesting. Joe Robbie never actually bought the land where his stadium sits today. Joe Robbie acquired a 99-year lease from the county at $1 per year, subject to a stadium being built on the property by 1990. So where did the story change?

It’s essentially a long game of telephone and trying to hold everyone to the gold standard. Yes, Robbie built the stadium with his own money using crafty financing ideas in order to receive the funds needed to complete the $115 million (1987) project. Off the heels of the horrendous Miami Marlins deal, the fiasco has always had constituents point to Hard Rock Stadium as being put together the “right” way. No public financing and no public funds. Yet, everyone seems to forget that little land deal. Recent tax records show that the Dolphins have paid from $2.2 Million to $4.2 Million in the last four years.

It all ties in together with what the MLS Miami group is requesting. A long-term lease on a piece of land that is currently being used in a manner that doesn’t create much revenue to the city. We can argue at length about whether a golf course is green space and whether green spaces should be developed. If the city negotiates a deal with the ownership group that brings in a substantial lease payment for the property and forces the group to pay property taxes, then it’s an automatically a win in comparison to the other stadium projects.

]]>http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/12/is-the-miami-freedom-park-that-different-from-joe-robbie-stadium/feed/21793David Beckham, Fútbol Miami MLS to host World Cup semifinal watch party at The Wharfhttp://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/11/david-beckham-futbol-miami-mls-to-host-world-cup-semifinal-watch-party-at-the-wharf/
http://magiccity.soccer/2018/07/11/david-beckham-futbol-miami-mls-to-host-world-cup-semifinal-watch-party-at-the-wharf/#respondWed, 11 Jul 2018 14:46:23 +0000http://magiccity.soccer/?p=1786As part of its push to build support before a Thursday vote for its proposed “Miami Freedom Park,” Fútbol Miami MLS is hosting a watch party for the England and Croatia FIFA World Cup Semifinal at The Wharf in Downtown Miami featuring co-owner and soccer legend David Beckham. According to the Facebook post advertising the event, …

]]>As part of its push to build support before a Thursday vote for its proposed “Miami Freedom Park,” Fútbol Miami MLS is hosting a watch party for the England and Croatia FIFA World Cup Semifinal at The Wharf in Downtown Miami featuring co-owner and soccer legend David Beckham.

According to the Facebook post advertising the event, doors open at noon, even though the game kicks off at 2 p.m. It is scheduled to run through 6 p.m., although there’s no mention of when Beckham is scheduled to arrive or leave. Those interested in going can register through Eventbrite before arriving, however walk-ups are allowed as long as the venue isn’t full.

Beckham is a key part of the MLS ownership group, as it is his option that allows the group to enter the league at a discount rate. Fellow co-owner Jorge Mas shared a video of Beckham rallying support for the Thursday meeting on Twitter.